HOLLY HILL, Fla. – Residents in Holly Hill are fighting to save their homes — and now, they’re taking that fight to court.
Nineteen homeowners have filed a lawsuit against the city and a nearby developer, claiming new construction has changed how stormwater moves through their neighborhoods, sending water pouring into their streets and homes.
“You’re living on the edge constantly during hurricane season — even during regular season now when it’s just raining,” said Mary Nichols.
The homeowners say they have exhausted every other option before turning to the courts.
“We’ve gone to city council meetings, we’ve sent emails, we’ve called, asked for help, asked what they were going to do,” said Danielle Latona.
The group of 19 says the flooding is only getting worse. They point to a nearby development visible from the streets where some of them live, arguing that new construction and drainage installed there fundamentally altered stormwater flow in the area.
On streets like Anniston Avenue and New Castle Court, residents say water barely moves — despite city leaders promising to clear drains and canals.
“Whatever they’re doing is not working for us,” Latona said.
The lawsuit names the developers, homeowners associations and the city as defendants. Residents say it remains unclear which party bears responsibility for the drainage system, and the filing states that experts will be needed to determine causation and responsibility. It also claims the city has failed to inspect and maintain stormwater infrastructure.
The homeowners are seeking financial damages and a permanent fix to the drainage problem.
“We were losing our retirements, the values of our homes — I now received a letter from FEMA after this year I no longer can get flood insurance from FEMA and I have to get private,” Latona said.
News 6 reached out to the mayor and city manager Tuesday morning via email and also contacted the developer named in the lawsuit seeking comment. The city manager responded, saying the city has not yet been served and has only received the notice of claim, adding that he cannot comment at this time. The developer had not responded as of publication. News 6 will provide updates as new information becomes available.